​
​
Advanced Search

Faves

allisonhyatt
By allisonhyatt
Updated Thu Apr 21 2022
  1. Agnes

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"

    • Description:

      Agnes is the Latin variation of the name Hagne, which itself derived from the Greek word hagnos, meaning "chaste." In medieval times, St. Agnes was a very popular saint, leading to its popularity as a girl's name. Agnes Grey is the title of one of the two novels written by Anne Brontë.
  2. Blithe

    • Description:

      Blithe is a delicate feminine name derived from the Old English word 'bliþe,' meaning 'happy,' 'carefree,' or 'joyful.' As a word-name that directly evokes a positive emotional state, it belongs to the category of virtue names that became popular during the Puritan era but has never been widely used. The name has a light, airy quality that suggests cheerfulness and optimism. Literary connections include Noël Coward's play 'Blithe Spirit,' which adds a sophisticated cultural reference. Though rare, Blithe has seen small increases in usage among parents seeking uncommon names with positive meanings. Its short, one-syllable pronunciation combined with the elegant spelling gives it a distinctive character that balances simplicity with refinement.

  3. Burton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fortified enclosure"

    • Description:

      Prissy, no matter how you spell it.
  4. Cecily

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Cecil

    • Meaning:

      "blind"

    • Description:

      Cecily is as dainty as a lace handkerchief. Cecily has a wide assortment of namesakes. One Cecily was the mother of King Richard III, whose beauty gained her the title "the Rose of Raby," Cecily Parsley is a Beatrix Potter bunny, Cecily Cardew is a character in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the author of the Gossip Girl books is Cecily von Ziegesar.
  5. Cressida

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
  6. Edna

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "rejuvenation, delight"

    • Description:

      Edna is one of those names that, until what it seemed like a few minutes ago, felt so terminally frumpy that no one could imagine a parent choosing it for an innocent modern baby girl. But with the great upswing in names honoring ancestral family members, several of them being other four-letter, e-ending names, we wouldn't be so sure.
  7. Elidi

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of the sun"

    • Description:

      Elidi is intriguing but potentially confusing. Try the French Elodie instead.
  8. Esmond

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "graceful protection"

    • Description:

      Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.
  9. Francis

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "Frenchman or free man"

    • Description:

      Since this was the name chosen by the current Roman Catholic pope, Francis has come into the spotlight.
  10. Grove

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Meaning:

      "grove of trees"

    • Description:

      If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
  11. Harry

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Henry

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      Harry is the medieval English form of Henry, which derived from the Germanic name Heimrich, meaning "estate ruler." Harry was the nickname of all eight King Henrys; it is also a diminutive of Harold and Harrison.
  12. Isolde

    • Origin:

      Welsh, German

    • Meaning:

      "ice ruler"

    • Description:

      Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.
  13. Ivetta

    • Description:

      Ivetta is a feminine name with medieval European origins, functioning as a variant of Yvette. Both names derive from the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew wood,' which was historically associated with archery and considered a symbol of strength and endurance. Ivetta has a romantic, vintage quality with its flowing vowels and elegant double 't' consonants. Popular in various forms throughout France and Eastern Europe, Ivetta offers a more elaborate alternative to Eva or Ivy while maintaining their classic appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon today, making it distinctive without being completely unfamiliar. Ivetta strikes a balance between traditional and unique, offering a feminine name with historical roots and a melodic quality that transcends language barriers.

  14. JOON
    • Marceline

      • Origin:

        Feminization of Marcel, French

      • Meaning:

        "little warrior"

      • Description:

        Balancing femininity, vintage charm, and fantasy nerdiness, Marceline is one to watch. Marceline the Vampire Queen from the 2010-2018 animated TV series Adventure Time brought her elaborate French name back into public consciousness. It re-entered the Top 1000 in 2020, after an 86 year hiatus, and rose into the 700s in 2021. Nicknames Marcie and Marcy are rising in popularity as well. Marceline may appeal to parents who like frilly, traditional, and sophisticated names such as Josephine and Genevieve.
    • Perry

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "dweller near a pear tree"

      • Description:

        It's a long time now since this casual but suave name was linked to velvet-throated, cardigan-sweatered singer Perry (born Pierino, son of Pietro) Como's day... and this could be the moment for a reassessment. Other Perry associations are designer Ellis and the fictional Perry Mason and Perry White. There is also the option of taking the long way round to Perry via the more substantial Peregrine or Percival.
    • Phineas

      • Origin:

        English, Egyptian

      • Meaning:

        "the Nubian"

      • Description:

        Phineas is the English variation of Phinehas, a Hebrew name likely derived from the Egyptian name Pa-nehasi. Pa-nehasi, meaning "the Nubian" can also be translated as "the bronze-colored one." The Egyptians distinguished themselves from their Nubian neighbors through differences in skin tone.
    • Saoirse

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "liberty"

      • Description:

        Before the young Irish actress Saoirse Ronan made her mark in the films Ladybird and The Lovely Bones, few of us had heard this name, let alone known how to pronounce it. But now it is slowly way edging its way into the mainstream, particularly, of course, with parents who have Irish roots. It made its first appearance in the US Top 1000 in 2016, when it was the third-fastest-rising girls' name.
    • STASSIE
      • Sullivan

        • Origin:

          Irish surname

        • Meaning:

          "black-eyed one"

        • Description:

          Sullivan is a jaunty Celtic three-syllable name, with a real twinkle in its eye. It was immortalized in the 1930s classic film Sullivan's Travels and was chosen for one of Patrick Dempsey's twin boys. Nickname Sully is equally jaunty.